Poll finds only one in five supports a Thames estuary airport
A recent small telephone poll of 250 Kent people, by the Kent newspaper company, asked “Do you support plans for a new international airport in the Thames estuary or on the Isle of Grain.” Responses showed that of those questioned, 31% were undecided on their opinion on an estuary airport. (So about 52% were opposed, and about 17% were in favour).
Poll finds only one in five supports airport plan
3.2.2012 (Kent Online)
A landmark poll by the KM Group has found less than one in five people support plans for a Thames Estuary airport.
We interviewed hundreds of readers and found that, of those who expressed a preference, three quarters were against the idea.
The issue has been pushed to the top of the domestic political agenda by Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
But our results show there is no room for complacency among anti-airport campaigners, with nearly a third of people (31%) undecided.
When the undecideds are taken out, the opposition camp swells with 76% against of all those who expressed a preference.
A team from the Medway Messenger phoned more than 250 readers at random this week.
It is the first major poll of Medway residents since Boris Johnson mooted a vast international airport in the Thames estuary and the architect Lord Foster revealed a £50 billion, four-runway plan for the Isle of Grain – also favoured by the London mayor.
Both plans are due to be included in the government’s air travel consultation next month.
We asked: “Do you support plans for a new international airport in the Thames estuary or on the Isle of Grain.”
While our results are not as resounding as smaller national polls on the subject, they will still come as a boost to Medway Council leader Rodney Chambers who has led attempt to ensure airport plans do not get off the ground.
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2012/february/3/airport_poll.aspx